Well today's been a really hard day. We got news that Emily's PDA valve has actually increased in size and so they will be preforming the heart surgery on her tomorrow to close her PDA. So even though they say the sugery doesn't take long and is fairly easy to do, it's always a risk. But I feel that everything will be fine and the doctors are so skilled at what they do.
We also got back Ethan's brain scan today and it was hard to hear the news. It is showing that his brain is bleeding on both sides and is at a level 3 right now out of 4. It's pretty severe they say. The blood that is showing is still in his vessels and hasn't gone outside of that, but he has a really high chance of having mild to severe brain damage which could result in cerebral palsey or other mental or physical disorders when he is older. The nurse practioner said there's really not a lot they can do for this other than monitor him and hope that the blood will be absorbed and not continue to get larger or go outside those vessels. They will do another brain scan on him next week.
Well, that's all the news for now. Ryan and I are heading back down to Utah tomorrow to be with both of them. It's been hard writing this... Thanks again for all your prayers for our family! We love you all!
Oh, and I wanted to add a few pictures of our babies...
This just puts it in perspective of how small their hands and feet are...and actually Emily has quite large feet! One of the nurses said her feet are the biggest she's seen. They for sure got their dad's feet, toes and long fingers! haha!
Emily Jean
Emily snuggling with her blankie under her shades
Emily with my wedding ring around her wrist
Ethan's little foot
Our little Ethan
25 comments:
Christy-Casey and I just finished reading all about the twins. Everything brings back so many memories and our hearts are with you. I'm also crying as I write this :) The nurses there are so amazing and so helpful, we love you guys!
Oh Hodges! My heart just breaks reading all of this about your sweet little family. Know that our Father in Heaven loves you as do we.
We'll continue to pray for Ethan and Emily- and for you. My husband's brother was a twin born very prematurely. he suffered some brain damage, but he is one of the most amazing and inspiring people I know- he's got such a big heart and sweet spirit. Here's hoping the bleeding stops and any damage is minimal to non-existent, and that Emily's heart surgery goes well. It really is a miracle that your babies can come so early and survive. I can't believe you can fit your wedding ring around Emily's wrist! Stay strong and know that you are loved.
Just found out the news about your new son and daughter! I will be praying for your twins as well as you and Ryan.
Hugs...
Sandie
Sorry we missed you Monday... Whitney's appointment was at 8:30, we were on our way home when you called. Please let us know if you need anything. You (and family) are always welcome to stay here if you need. Or if your girls need a place to play. You can see our house from the freeway so if you ever need to stop, please feel free. You'll be in our prayers.
Oh Christy! I am with you all the way! I wish I were there to give you a hug! It must be even harder having to get news from so far away, too! I am so glad you guys are getting to travel down as often as you are. Your dedication and love will have big dividends for those babies! Every thought and intent and minute of time spent on them counts unimaginably! The windows of heaven are open to you guys, and I know that you will continue to be blessed! Go Christy!
Christy, we are thinking and praying for you and the twins and the whole Hodges family every chance we get. This has got to be the hardest thing you have had to go through, but I know that Heavenly Father doesn't give us any trial that we can't endure. Everything will work out the way that fits best in His eternal plan. I hope that that brings some comfort. Just remember how great His love is for you and Ethan and Emily. He will take care of them and you and all your needs. We love you! We have you and the twins in our prayers.
Christy, I am soo sorry to hear about your little ones. You and Emily and Ethan are continued to be in my thoughts and prayers! If you need ANYTHING please let me know okay! Love ya!
Thanks for the update, we've all been praying and thinking about you all.
Love you.
Please know that your little family is SO SO loved and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I hope all goes well with Emily's surgery and that little Ethan's brain bleeds can resolve. Please let us know if there is anything we can do :)
We love you! Hoping all the best for your little family, we know you will be blessed cuz we are all prayin' like crazy. Miss you lots. Let me know where I can take a gift for Maddy.
I am having as hard of a time reading this as I am sure you are having a hard time writing it...You are wonderful, and hope things turn out great for all of you. Our prayers, still, are with you and your tiny angels.
You are welcome for the gift-we wish we could do more.
Hugs
Morgan
Christy...I am so sorry. We have been praying for you guys everyday. Those little kiddos have a lot of people out their that love them already. Their little foot and hand prints are adorable and oh so tiny. Please let me know what I can do to help you and your family out.
What precious little gifts you have. Wow, they are so fragile right now. Bless you sweet little Hodges.
We love you so much!
Rod and Suz
Your family is in our hearts and prayers. I love the pictures!
Oh Christy, we love you guys so much. I know that no matter what happens, you and Ryan are such awesome people that you will handle it wonderfully. They are so beautiful. We will pray that Emily's surgery will go well and that Ethan's next brain scan will look better.
I'm sorry that today(or yesterday) was a hard day. I can't imagine it ever being a really 'easy' day when your babies are so fragile. The pictures just amaze me; their prints, ring around Emily's wrist, so crazy. These twins are amazing. I admire you and Ryan so much too. Please, let me know what I can do to help you and Ryan out. I want to do anything I possibly can for you guys. Keep smiling, you all are so very loved!
We will continue praying for all of you! Our Heavenly Father will take care of you.
Oh Christy! I am so sorry you have had so much hard news lately. Just know that we and a lot of other people are praying for you. You little ones are so cute. I can't believe their little hands and feet! Soooo cute!
I'm so sorry to hear the not-so-great news. It sounds like you are carrying on and doing well, considering all the craziness. I am amazed by you, Christy. I know it's little consolation, but isn't it nice to know there is a plan and someone is in control in times like these? I'll keep keeping you in my prayers, like everyone else!
Oh my heavens--I cannot believe I am complaining about a teething baby! Your precious little babies are going through so much! My eyes are filled with tears as I think of how your heart must be longing for solace. I will call the Denver temple and put you and your sweet little babies names on the prayer roll. I know God lives and He has a plan for you and your family. You are loved very much.
You didn't make me feel bad at all! After reading your blog, I have just been evaluating myself and thinking that I need to be a little more optimistic and thankful. So, I decided that I am just glad that he will have teeth! Thank you for sharing your situation and feelings. You inspire me to want to be a better person and grow closer to the Lord. Oh and Dave says to tell Ryan Hi too. He really thinks you two are great!
Christy, they are precious! My whole family was around the computer screen looking at pictures and hearing the story of your amazing family! We are so sorry about the "hard-to-hear" news, both with the babies and Ryans family. Of course, your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Any new updates about those precious babies yet? Just wanted to tell you we're thinking about you.
Our love goes out to you and your family. Stay strong!!
Lots of love and prayers--nadine
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